Areas of Expertise

My background lies in behavioral biology and I am broadly interested in how genetic variation is causing individual behavioral differences. I completed my PhD research in Antwerp, Belgium, where I studied variation in two candidate genes that code for the receptors for oxytocin and vasopressin, two hormones known for their important role in the regulation of social behavior across species, ranging from rodents to humans. More specifically, I focused on the association between variation in these genes with stable individual personality profiles, both within and between the two closely related Pan species: bonobos and chimpanzees.

Current Research

Currently I am working as a postdoctoral researcher at the Primate Genomics Lab and the Laboratory for Evolutionary Neuroscience at the George Washington University, where my goal is to study both genetic and neural factors underlying individual and phylogenetic variation of communication. By studying the cognitive processes, neurobiology and genetics underlying human communication in their closest living relatives, the great apes, we aim to address the complex puzzle of human language origins.

Education

Ph.D. Centre for Research and Conservation. Primate behavioral genetics. University of Antwerp, 2016.

M.S. Biology, Evolution and behavioral sciences. University of Antwerp, 2010.

Publications

Bonobo personality: the effects of age and sex and links with behavior and dominance